Film Bits: ‘Arrested Development’ Season 5 is Go!

Netflix Confirms ‘Arrested Development’ Season 5

I think I just blue myself. Netflix confirms that the Arrested Development gang, including creator Mitch Hurwitz, are all on board for a fifth season of the absurd comedy, and that the premiere is set for some time in 2018. The news comes on the heels of Jason Bateman announcing that he finalized his deal to reprise his role as Michael Bluth last week. It’s been several years since the divisive fourth season resurrection of the long dormant series kick started Netflix’s ascension to a home for original content, and in that time Hurwitz and the cast of long teased a fifth season. Its return is great news for fans, considering the cliffhanger between Bateman’s Michael and Michael Cera’s George Michael at the end of last season. Hopefully the years have given them time to ruminate on mistakes and perhaps this season will be a more traditional take on the series.

Ridley Scott Producing J.G. Ballard Novel for Netflix

Netflix also announced the acquisition of the J.G. Ballard novel, Hello America. The film is set to be produced by Ridley Scott’s Scott Free production company. The novel follows a group of pioneers who return to American shores a century after citizens emigrated away following a disastrous financial collapse. There’s no word yet on who’s set to write or helm the film.

Sundance Hit ‘Patti Cake$’ Reveals First Trailer

After earning a mountain of positive buzz at this year’s Sundance, we’ve finally got our first look at Patti Cakes$, the debut feature from director Geremy Jasper. The film follows an aspiring rapper (Danielle Macdonald) as she pursues her dreams of musical glory amidst the backdrop of her fading New Jersey neighborhood. Both Jasper and Macdonald were hailed at Sundance, and the trailer gives us a brief glimpse at why. Patti Cake$ looks to be a poignant and moving look at the quest for stardom. Patti Cake$ opens on August 18.

(Fox Searchlight)

Robert Pattinson Stars in New A24 Thriller

A24 continues their domination of the indie market with the release of the trailer for Good Time. The film star Robert Pattinson as a bank robber on the run, who must also help his brother make bail from Riker’s Island. Co-directed by brothers Ben and Joshua Safdie (Too Strong), Good Time looks to be a stark crime drama with emotional resonance. It’s certainly fitting with the A24 oeuvre, which is increasingly becoming a mark of quality in and of itself. We’ll know for sure when Good Time is released on August 11.

James Roberts is a freelance writer based in San Antonio; he writes about music, movies, television, and pop culture. When he’s not writing, he does his damnedest to convince his friends and wife that watching movies and TV actually does, in fact, count as working. While he’s neither good at nor terribly active on “the Twitter," he encourages you to follow him at @jroberts3456, if that’s your thing. James is an affiliate member of the Houston Film Critics Society and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.